Kathmandu Metropolitan City has unveiled a budget of Rs. 25.88 billion for the fiscal year 2083/84, focusing on tax reforms, healthcare, infrastructure development, and citizen-centric services.

Presenting the budget, Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol announced a reduction in rental income tax. Residential properties generating annual rental income above Rs. 240,000 will now be taxed at 7 percent, down from the previous 10 percent rate, while lower-income rentals will continue to be taxed at 5 percent.

To broaden the tax base, taxpayers who register and pay taxes by the end of Ashoj will receive a 10 percent tax discount, while penalties on outstanding taxes will be waived for those clearing dues within the specified period.

The metropolis also plans to launch door-to-door citizenship and national identity card services from the upcoming fiscal year. A youth-focused self-employment program has been allocated Rs. 100 million.

In the health sector, the city has earmarked Rs. 40 million for the first phase of a metropolitan hospital project. Additional allocations include Rs. 10 million for pneumonia vaccination programs for senior citizens and Rs. 20 million for an integrated healthcare waste management center.

The budget also continues free ambulance services, allocates Rs. 5 million for preparatory work related to the establishment of Swonigah University, and sets aside Rs. 160 million for nutrition allowance programs.

Infrastructure development remains the largest priority, receiving Rs. 15.31 billion, equivalent to 61 percent of the total budget. Social development has been allocated Rs. 2.42 billion, economic development Rs. 541.8 million, and governance-related programs Rs. 2.13 billion.